Retirement is surely a dead-end idea…literally. Retirement is also a recent idea….and a pretty depressing idea, at that. Look it up in the dictionary. My Oxford says to “retire” is to withdraw, go away. retreat, give up, seek seclusion. Sounds like fun! The Oxford definitions include “retiring from the world” or “to retire unto oneself” or to become unsociable, uncommunicative, withdrawn from society. Who wouldn't want to do that?

But we have a different idea. We believe that successful aging is best achieved by active engagement with others.

Bonus Years Biographies

Brenda Schoener

"We should not wait till the end to talk about life's lessons.

We should talk about them now, while I can. It has prompted my friends and family to also share deeply with their dear ones the legacy they see in them. Everyone is enriched when they learn of their significance to you.

At some point you won't be able to tell them, so tell them now while you can."

"I'm not changing my game. I'm just changing my approach to the game. As you grow older, you find that real change is too often measured in inches and feet and not miles, but you also learn that every foot counts and winners never quit."

Until then I have to say it’s both humbling and inspiring to be around Ted and Beth Levitt. They are people who walk their talk. Gratitude, beginning with love of country and those who protect it, is expressed in everything they talk about and everything they do.

... He does it now, giving full time to what used to be hobbies and pastimes, bonus years pursuits to which he brings a lifetime of experience honoring our country and its can-do spirit.

He has a small placard in his living room which says, “I’m not retired. I’m just getting started.”

“Made a difference” is an understatement. Since leaving the Marine Corps in 1953 and continuing today, Merna has devoted his bonus years life to volunteer activities, primarily in veterans’ affairs. ...

As Merna lost himself in thought, he reiterated, “I love the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Academy. I promote them every day of my life. It’s easy because I cherish being a Marine, which means you never have to worry about what you might have been; when you wear the Marine uniform, you already know.”

Savage continued, “With my hand on top of his, we shifted places. I then asked him to tell me on which side of his face the wind was blowing. ... He then learned to move the tiller to change course, according to the wind’s direction. Then I took my hand off the tiller. He was smiling from ear to ear. He also kept us on course all afternoon.

“That’s when I said both to myself and to him: ‘Wow he’s got it.’ ”

Savage concluded, “This experience was tremendously gratifying. Once again, I experienced first-hand what volunteering is all about. It also helped me answer the ‘what’s next?’ in my life. All in all, the last 20 years have given me the chance to give back, and it’s far from over.”

The Length of Our Days

Days in the average American life span

Average life expectancy in days at age 65

Chances to leave a legacy

"It’s better to wear out than rust out.” That is the message of Reboot! For men and women navigating change and planning for life’s transitions – all the while striving to finish well – Reboot! provides a roadmap for living a life of meaning, challenging the reader to be a Luminary not a retiree. Burgess boldly asserts that retirement is a deadly disease, and that work after a life of work is the best option for post-career years that are meaningful, productive, healthy, and satisfying.

The Annapolis Institute is a private, nonpartisan think tank. The Institute, established in 1993, has two purposes: (1) To help leadership at all levels to anticipate the forces shaping the lives of people, communities, and institutions in the 21st century -- including technology, demography, politics, the economy and culture; and (2) to advance principled leadership in the management of business enterprises, government agencies and non-profit organizations.